CM admits police barbarism; orders judicial probe

LAHORE: Calling the police action against workers of Minhajul Quran Secretariat ‘barbaric and terrible’, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. Shahbaz told a press conference that removal of barriers is the responsibility of the administration but there is no justification for cruelty and barbarism under this garb. He said that those involved in torture will not escape punishment. He said he has already requested the LHC to set up commission for the investigation. He requested the LHC chief justice that the judicial commission should hold investigation on daily basis. The chief minister said he has never used force against his rivals. “It was shocking for me to see police brutally thrashing bearded protesters,” he said. “I will not influence the registration of FIRs. They can even be registered against me,” he said. Shahbaz said that if the judicial commission declares him guilty after the investigation, he is ready to appear before the court of the people. “I will resign and accept the responsibility.” He sympathised with PAT Chairman Dr Tahirul Qadri over the sad incident. He said he never believed in the politics of vengeance. “I have never done politics of bullets and sticks during my entire political career.” Later, the chief minister announced a financial assistance of Rs 3 million each for the heirs of those who died in the incident. He also directed provision of best medical facilities free of cost to the injured.